Saturday, February 22, 2025

Tag: Philippine Army

Army installs new 4ID commander, pledges peacebuilding efforts

Posted on by Heber Quinco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 28, 2025, 7:21 pm) – The Philippine Army on Tuesday installed Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. as the new commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), overseeing parts of Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region

In his inaugural speech, Anayron emphasized his commitment to advancing peace and development in collaboration with various stakeholders and ensuring robust security measures within the division’s areas of responsibility.

“Through peace and development zones, we implement high-impact programs with the aid of national agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector,” he said.

Anayron underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder support in addressing the root causes of insurgency, which is a priority under his command.

He succeeded Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, who served as acting commander after the retirement of Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II earlier this month.

Prior to his appointment, Anayron commanded the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon province, leading battalions and special forces that played a crucial role in dismantling New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts.

His military career began in 1992 when he served as a civil-military operations officer in the Visayas. He later held prominent leadership roles in Mindanao, including assignments with the Eastern Mindanao Command and the Mechanized Infantry Division.

Anayron is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992 and has completed specialized military training, including the Scout Ranger and Armor Officer Basic courses, with distinction. He also trained internationally, participating in Special Operations Team training in Queensland, Australia, and completing the Grade 2 Staff Officer Course.

Alongside his military credentials, Anayron holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Xavier University, a Master’s in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines, and a Master’s in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

“Under my leadership, the 4ID will continue its mission to foster peaceful and resilient communities,” Anayron said.

87 NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon (January 27, 2025) — Eighty-seven members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, on Friday

Lt. Col. Antonio Bulao, commander of the 89IB, introduced the former rebels and presented 17 firearms they surrendered during a ceremony in Barangay Nacabuklad, San Fernando. The group includes 54 regular NPA members, 29 Militiang Bayan members, and four mass supporters from the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC 2, NCMRC).

Each of the 87 former rebels received ₱10,000 as immediate cash assistance, along with individual identification cards.

Datu Jimboy Mandagit, also known as Waway and a former high-ranking NPA member, encouraged his former comrades to surrender and take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and amnesty offerings.

“I extend my gratitude to the Army for providing a wonderful opportunity for those of us who were victims of a false communist doctrine and became insurgents,” Mandagit stated in the local vernacular. “I urge the rest of our comrades to surrender because the government is always ready to help us,” he added.

The ceremony was witnessed by Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, MGen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, BGen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Municipal Mayor Rogelio Yeke, and other local officials.

In his message, Hambala assured the returning rebels of government support to help them start new lives. Yeke also promised to deliver projects aimed at improving farm-to-market roads and education for families in remote villages.

Flores expressed his gratitude and support for the former rebels’ return to the fold of the law. (The Manila Times)

36 Ex-NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Thirty-six former New People’s Army (NPA) leaders and combatants recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. They were presented to the Bukidnon provincial government on January 10 at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City

The surrenderees turned over 55 high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun, and pledged allegiance to the government.


Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the former rebels, calling their surrender a significant step towards peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.

“Akong pagpasalamat sa atong mga sundalo, pulis, local government units, civil society organizations, ug concerned citizens for participating in the ELCAC campaign. Kini nga kampanya involves municipal, provincial, and line agencies. Naa sila gatabang sa ato pinaagi sa paghatag sa support services sama sa livelihood assistance, skills training, ug uban pa, aron masulbad ang insurgency problem sa nasud labi na dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bukidnon,” he said.


(I thanked the military, police, local government units, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They help provide support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training, to address the insurgency problem in the country, especially here in Bukidnon.)


He urged remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.


Arnel Arcaya, alias Sky, a former NPA leader, shared his difficult experiences within the rebel group and thanked the government for supporting his reintegration into society.


In a press conference, Arcaya expressed his desire to leave his past behind and start anew, inspired by the government’s reintegration efforts.


The military credited Cong. Jonathan Keith T. Flores of the 2nd Congressional District for facilitating the surrender of former NPA leaders, highlighting the success of the whole-of-nation approach.


Cong. Flores emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in defeating insurgency and thanked the surrendered NPA members for rejoining society.


“The presence of government agencies in the mountains, delivering essential services to marginalized communities, has encouraged many to return to peaceful lives,” he said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Damulog town in Bukidnon declared insurgency-free

Posted on by cmn

The Municipality of Damulog in Bukidnon becomes the third municipality in the province to be officially declared insurgency-free after San Fernando and Kadingilan, the Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division said on Wednesday, August 14, 2024

The declaration was formalized through Resolution No. 158, Series of 2024, and was celebrated during a ceremony held at the Municipal Gymnasium in Damulog on Tuesday, August 13.

Brigadier General Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, commended this collaborative effort, emphasizing the critical role that unity and cooperation played in achieving this milestone.

He added that the declaration is a testament to the exceptional coordination between the uniformed personnel, local authorities, and the citizens of Damulog, who worked together to set a new standard for peace and progress in Bukidnon.

Meanwhile, Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, lauded the relentless and tireless efforts of the troops under the 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion.

Hambala acknowledged the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the unwavering support from the community, which were instrumental in bringing about this historic change.

The declaration ceremony was marked by a symbolic release of doves and balloons, representing the enduring peace, unity, and prosperity that Damulog now experiences. (Rex Espiritu/Manila Standard/August 15, 2024)

Army confirms 9 terrorists involved in Marawi blast killed in Lanao del Sur

Posted on by cmn

The Philippine Army on Saturday, January 27, confirmed the death of nine members of the Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist organization involved in the bombing of Dimaporo gymnasium inside the Mindanao State University in Marawi City

Army Public Affairs chief, Col. Louie Dema-ala, said the operating troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, under the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, engaged in a series of firefight with heavily armed Dawlah Islamiya members from Thursday to Friday this week, in Barangay Tapurong, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

“The Army troops were able to neutralize nine local terrorist members and recovered eight high-powered firearms. Neutralized individuals were identified as perpetrators of the fatal MSU bombing on December 3, 2023,” Dema-ala told reporters.

Four soldiers were hurt during the encounters, which were triggered by the military’s internal security operations.

Dema-ala said the soldiers were immediately transported to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City “to acquire urgent medical attention.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the four soldiers who sustained injuries during the said operation. We remain committed to ensuring their swift recovery,” Dema-ala said. (Lade Jean Kabagani/tribune.net.ph)

NPA commander killed in Bukidnon clash

Posted on by cmn

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Christopher Tingkayan, 23, was killed in a fierce gunfight with troops from the 8th Infantry ‘Dependable’ Battalion operating under the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army

According to reports, he [Tingkayan] was a high-ranking leader of the New People Army’s Regional Operations Command, Headquarters Force NEO.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion based in Impasugong, Bukidnon, said the government forces launched focused military operations following a civilian report indicating Tingkayan’s frequent supply runs into NPA territories.

He said Christopher Tingkayan, also known as Mojen/Gamot, was killed in a 10-minute firefight with the 8IB soldiers on August 23.

All soldiers were unhurt, the Battalion Commander said.

Jimboy Tingkayan alias Jovan, the slain NPA commander’s half-brother who recently surrendered, identified the body at the scene of the early morning clash in a rugged forest of Lagaslasan subvillage in Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Reports indicated that “Mojen” was with 10 fellow rebels when the firefight erupted, but his comrades fled during the encounter.

“The troopers confiscated a total of two M16 Rifles, two M653 Carbine Rifles, two M203 Grenade Launchers, an anti-personnel mine, along with various terrorist materials, medical paraphernalia, and assorted personal belongings,” Bacus said.

He pointed out that Mojen’s group had once been considered the stronghold of the so-called Regional Sentro De Gravidad of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (RSDG-NCMRC), highlighting the significance of the operation’s success in dismantling this faction.

Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, emphasized that the communist terrorist groups’ (CTG) presence in the area is an indication that the dwindling criminal group is on a desperate move to recruit and extort resources from the people and continue their income generation scheme, especially with Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections drawing near.

“It is unfortunate that the CTGs continue to sacrifice the lives of its members to pursue their criminal agenda. Once again, we are saddened by the loss of fellow Filipinos’ lives. We want the people of Bukidnon to know that their Army will not permit criminals to threaten communities and extort their hard-earned money. We are committed to maintaining peace and security in the area,” added BGen. Anayron Jr.

Notably, in the third quarter of this year alone, 4ID troops have neutralized 21 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs). Among them, five were killed in encounters, and 16 voluntarily surrendered. The troops also apprehended 36 high-powered firearms and five low-powered firearms. Noteworthy in this achievement was the elimination of the CTG’s top leader, Dionesio “Muling” Micabalo, the Regional Secretary of NCMRC. This incident occurred during an encounter with 4ID troops on July 26, 2023.

In a statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the 4ID commander, commended the swift response of the troops from the 8IB and 403rd Brigade in promptly securing the Malaybalay area against planned CTG atrocities.

He emphasized that the loss of another CNT member serves as a reminder of the unfortunate consequences of opposing our government.

While highlighting 4ID’s accomplishments as a testament to the people’s unwavering support and the sustained collaboration among various agencies under the whole-of-nation approach, the 4ID Commander underscored that this strategy serves as the game-changer in ultimately resolving the country’s insurgency problem. (CMO, 8IB/403Bde/4ID, PA/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Livestock livelihood gi-turnover ngadto sa mga surrenderees sa Malaybalay

Posted on by cmn

Isa ka pag turn-over sa mga livestock livelihood alang sa mga kanhi rebeldeng ang gipahigayon niadtong Agosto 10, 2023 sa Sitio Mahayag, Barangay St. Peter ning dakbayan sa Malaybalay

Ang maong kalihokan ubos sa Livestock Intensification Program sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay pinaagi sa City Veterinary Office – Livestock Production Section sa pagpanguna ni Dr. Omar T. Cahanap.

Gitambongan sa mga kawani sa buhatan sa City Veterinary, Upper Pulangi Cluster Barangay Extension Officers pinangulohan ni Darwin Sat-ao ug mga miembro sa 88 th Company sa Philippine Army Detachment, ang mga surrenderee gipasabot sa mga kaayohan sa maong livestock livelihood dili lamang sa ilang pamuyo ug kapaninguhaan apan ngadto usab sa katilingban.

Gipasabot usab ni Dr. Cahanap ang katuyoan sa programang Livestock Intensification. (LGU Malaybalay)

2 NPA members die in clash with army troops in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged members of the communist New People’s Army were killed in separate encounters in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon over the weekend, the Philippine Army said on Monday

On Saturday, July 8, elements of the 36th Infantry Battalion of the 901st Infantry Brigade clashed with eight

suspected NPA members in Sitio Libas, Barangay Sibahay in Lanuza town, Surigao del Sur.

This led to the death of a suspected rebel identified as Risam Gonzales Gam, also known as Kim or Miguel. Troops also captured one M653 Assault Rifle at the encounter site.

On Friday, July 7, the 43rd Division Reconnaissance Company of the 403rd Infantry Brigade also figured in two separate encounters with elements of suspected communist rebels in Barangay Bontongon, Impasugong town in Bukidnon province.

The firefights, which lasted for about 30 minutes each, resulted in the death of an unidentified male communist and the capture of one M4A1 5.56mm carbine rifle and one M14 7.62mm rifle. (Inquirer.net)

Army confers gold award to Bukidnon-based 8IB

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) has conferred the “Gold Trailblazer Award” to the 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Bukidnon in this year’s Army Government Pathway (AGP) program

In a statement on June 27, 2023, the 8IB said it received the highest distinction given to an Army unit, with a rate of 96.4 percent.
Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, the 8IB commander, said the award indicates the battalion’s commitment to aligning with the PA’s vision of a “world-class, multi-mission ready, and cross-domain capable Army by 2040.”
“Our efforts must be directed to sustain our gains and let us continue to be steadfast in our quest for genuine reforms,” Bacus added.
AGP helps organizations execute their transformation initiatives to yield breakthrough results. It has four stages – Initiated, Compliant, Proficient, and Institutionalized – in which Army units nationwide are rated internally, according to 8IB.
The award also indicates that 8IB has shown “exemplary progress” in governance and strategy management in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap, it added.
The 8IB’s latest field accomplishments included dismantling the communist New People’s Army group earlier this month in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
An encounter that erupted led to the death of a rebel fighter and the seizure of rebel firearms and other materials. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Unang E-clip committee meeting karong 2023 sa Bukidnon, gipahigayon

Posted on by cmn

Gipahigayon pinaagi sa Department of the Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG)-Bukidnon, ang unang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee Meeting, sa pagpangulo ni Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, kinsa mao ang Committee Chairman

Ang maong meeting gipahigayon niadtong Pebrero 15, 2023 sa Casa Blanca Bar and Restaurant, syudad sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Kauban ni Gov. Roque nga nitambong sa maong tigum sila DILG-Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gean Yvish R. Ladesma, Acting PSWD Officer Ellen T. Salumintao, ug mga representanti gikan sa buhatan sa Provincial IPMR, Bukidnon Police Provincial Office ug 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, Philippine Army. (PR)